These Sauteed Green Beans feature tender and crisp French green beans, caramelized shallots, and toasted almonds for a flavor-packed dish that brings warmth to your table. They are a quick and easy side dish with the most tender and delicious skillet green beans made in just one pan in less than 15 minutes.
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Updated November 2023
Easy Sautéed Green Beans Recipe: A Flavorful Delight
Whipping up a healthy side dish is easier than ever before. These Sautéed Green Beans combine the freshness of French green beans with the richness of almonds and the savory goodness of shallots and garlic. You can keep them simple or dress them up however you’d like – their versatility makes them a fail-proof side dish for all sorts of different main courses!
From big holiday feasts to light weekend lunches, these tender-crisp green beans make an amazing addition to any meal. This easy green bean side dish is fancy enough to fit in at the holiday table, but they’re easy enough to make that they can become a go-to in your kitchen year round. Not only do they have the best taste and texture, but this simple and healthy side dish is also vegan, gluten-free, low-carb, keto, paleo-friendly and Whole30 compliant making them suitable for any one with dietary concerns.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
You only need a handful of ingredients to make flawless sautéed green beans. Feel free to add or sub in any seasonings you’re in the mood for.
- Vegan Butter, Ghee, or Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a velvety texture to the green beans. You can also use olive oil or avocado oil as well.
- Raw Sliced Almonds: Imparts a delightful crunch and nuttiness to the dish. Feel free to leave out for a nut-free version.
- French Green Beans (Haricot Verts): Known for their tenderness and vibrant green color. Be sure to choose brightly colored green beans with no blemishes.
- Shallots: Infuse a subtle sweetness and depth to the overall flavor.
- Garlic: Elevates the dish with its aromatic and savory notes.
- Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: Provides a hint of citrusy brightness.
- Fine Grain Sea Salt or Kosher Salt: Seasoning to enhance flavors.
- Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Adds a mild kick and depth.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: Brings a burst of freshness to the final presentation.
How to Trim Green Beans
After you cut the ends off of your green beans, it’s important to give them a good wash and then dry them off thoroughly. This removes any potential dirt or pesticides from the surface of the beans.
- Line Them Up: Grab a handful of green beans and line them up on a cutting board so that all of the ends on one side form a straight line.
- Cut Off the Ends: Press a sharp kitchen knife down toward the tips of the lined-up green beans and cut off the ends all at once.
- Flip & Repeat: Line up the opposite ends of the green beans and trim off the tips all at once. Repeat the process with any remaining green beans until all of the ends are removed.
- Wash & Dry: Place the trimmed green beans into a large bowl filled with cold water and let them sit for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse them off with cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Instructions: How to make Sautéed Green Beans:
- Toast the almonds: Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 teaspoon butter then add the almonds and toast until golden brown, about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Return the skillet to medium-heat and melt the remaining butter in the same pan. Add the shallots and garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly caramelized.
- Cook the green beans: Add the green beans to the skillet along with 1 tablespoon of water to the pan. Cook, while tossing occasionally, until the green beans are tender, about 4-5 minutes.
- Season: Season with salt, black pepper and lemon juice. Stir in half of the almonds, reserving the rest for serving.
- Serve: Transfer the green beans to a large plate or serving platter and sprinkle with the reserved almonds along with chopped parsley. Serve warm.
Tips for Success:
- How to Toast Almonds for Green Beans: Achieve a golden brown hue by stirring frequently for about 2 minutes.
- Caramelizing Shallots and Garlic: Cook them over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly caramelized.
- Tender Green Beans: Toss occasionally while cooking for 4-5 minutes until they reach the desired tenderness.
- Balancing Flavors: Adjust salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to suit your taste.
Variation Ideas
You can take this french green beans recipe in tons of different directions. Here are some easy ways to change them up:
- Citrus Twist: Add orange or lime zest for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.
- Add More Seasonings: We often add half a teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder to these vegan butter green beans for extra flavor. You could even throw in some crushed red pepper for a kick of heat!
- Make Balsamic Green Beans: Balsamic vinegar tastes amazing on top of lemon garlic green beans. It gives them a satisfying tang that’s guaranteed to make a splash at the dinner table.
- Make Cheesy Green Beans: Adding a sprinkle of nutritional yeast is a diet-friendly way to give your green beans a cheesy flavor. You can use grated Parmesan cheese if you’re not dairy-free or vegan.
- Add Bacon: If your diet permits, introduce some protein by sprinkling cooked and crumbled bacon over your lemon garlic green beans. Yum!
- Make Them Festive: Serving these fried green beans on Thanksgiving or another holiday? Garnish them with pecans and dried cranberries for a festive finishing touch.
Substitutions:
- Butter: Swap vegan butter for a heart-healthy alternative like olive oil.
- Green Beans: Use regular green beans if French green beans are unavailable.
- Nut-Free Green Bean Variation: Skip the almonds for a nut-free version.
Serving Suggestions for Green Bean Recipes:
Sautéed Green Beans are a versatile and flavorful side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some delightful suggestions to complement the vibrant flavors of this green bean recipe:
1. Grilled Chicken:
- The tender and savory notes of grilled chicken perfectly complement the freshness of sautéed green beans. Consider marinating the chicken in herbs or citrus for an added layer of flavor.
2. Roasted Salmon:
- The richness of broiled salmon balances the crunch of almonds and the brightness of lemon in the green beans. It’s a wholesome and nutritious combination.
3. Beef or Pork Stir-Fry:
- Create a quick and flavorful stir-fry with beef or pork, incorporating your sautéed green beans. The combination of textures and flavors will make for a satisfying meal.
4. Quinoa or Rice:
- For a vegetarian option or as a side to any protein, serve the sautéed green beans over a bed of fluffy quinoa or aromatic rice. This adds a hearty and complete touch to your meal.
5. Pasta Dishes:
- Pair your green beans with pasta for a comforting and filling meal. Consider tossing them with your favorite pasta, olive oil, and grated Parmesan for a simple yet delicious combination.
6. Lemon Herb Shrimp:
- The citrusy kick from lemon pairs exceptionally well with green beans. Try serving them alongside lemon herb shrimp for a light and refreshing seafood option.
7. Baked Chicken Thighs:
- Bake or air fry chicken thighs with a flavorful herb or spice rub. The crispy skin and juicy meat will contrast wonderfully with the crisp-tender green beans.
8. Vegetable Stir-Fry:
- Opt for a vegetarian meal by preparing a colorful vegetable stir-fry. Mix and match your favorite vegetables with the sautéed green beans for a nutritious and vibrant dish.
9. Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner:
- As a delightful alternative to the classic green bean casserole, serve sautéed green beans as a side for your Thanksgiving turkey dinner. The crispness adds a refreshing element to the feast.
Storing, Freezer and Reheating Green Beans
- Make-Ahead: For a quick weekday meal, prep the almonds and green beans in advance.
- Refrigeration: Once your green beans have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable storage bag. Place them in the fridge and enjoy them within 4 days.
- Freezer: While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, freezing sautéed green beans can be done if you place the cooled green beans into an airtight container and freeze them for up to 6 months. Thaw them out in the fridge overnight before reheating and enjoying them.
- Reheating: Reheat them gently on the stovetop until or in a 350°F Air Fryer for about 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the beans are warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use regular green beans instead of French green beans?
- Absolutely! While French green beans are known for their tenderness, you can easily substitute them with regular green beans if needed.
Q. Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead?
Fresh green beans will give you the best flavor, but frozen ones can be used if that’s all you have on hand. Simply thaw them out in the fridge before working with them. You could also thaw them out in a bowl of cool water if preferred.
More green bean recipes you will love:
These Sauteed Green Beans feature tender and crisp French green beans, caramelized shallots, and toasted almonds for a flavor-packed dish that brings warmth to your table. They are a quick and easy side dish with the most tender and delicious skillet green beans made in just one pan in less than 15 minutes.
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter , divided. Olive oil, avocado oil, ghee or unsalted butter work too if you're not dairy-free.
- ⅓ cup raw sliced almonds , feel free to leave out if you need a nut-free version.
- 1 lb French green beans haricot verts, trimmed
- 2 medium shallots , finely diced
- 2 medium garlic cloves , finely minced
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Fine grain sea salt or kosher salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 teaspoon butter then add the almonds and toast until golden brown, about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Return the skillet to medium-heat and melt the remaining butter in the same pan. Add the shallots and garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly caramelized.
- Add the green beans to the skillet along with 1 tablespoon of water to the pan. Cook, while tossing occasionally, until the green beans are tender, about 4-5 minutes.
- Season with salt, black pepper and lemon juice. Stir in half of the almonds, reserving the rest for serving.
- Transfer the green beans to a large plate or serving platter and sprinkle with the reserved almonds along with chopped parsley. Serve warm.
Recipe Video
Storage, Make-Ahead, Freezer and Reheating Instructions:
- Make-Ahead: For a quick weekday meal, prep the almonds and green beans in advance.
- Refrigeration: Once your green beans have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable storage bag. Place them in the fridge and enjoy them within 4 days.
- Freezer: While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you place the cooled green beans into an airtight container and freeze them for up to 6 months. Thaw them out in the fridge overnight before reheating and enjoying them.
- Reheating: Reheat them gently on the stovetop until or in a 350°F Air Fryer for about 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the beans are warmed through.
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